Comparison

SteamTrains vs Wi

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

SteamTrains

Watch 3D trains race on scenic landscapes and interact with them. Features simple driving games for younger children and collection challenges for older ones, offering a realistic train play experience.

Highlights
  • 3D train simulation
  • Multiple camera angles
  • Simple train driving game
  • Wagon collection game
  • Interactive railroad junctions
Read full description

SteamTrains Junior is a fun new app for kids aged from 3- 10. Small kids can watch the trains race around the railroad! Its all made in 3D so you can see everything from all angles. Its just like playing with the real thing ! The SteamTrains have properly functioning wheel mechanisms and race around the scenic landscape at high speed. It can all be viewed from different positions just by clicking the camera button. There are very simple games for small kids which involves driving a train around a railroad. The train can be driven as fast as you like and its course can be changed by clicking on the junction points matching buttons. For older kids there are more difficult games that involves trying to collect as many wagons as possible from around the traintrack. Loads of fun for kids !

About

Wi

Control your model railroad with an iOS device. This app offers comprehensive and innovative control for M.T.H. Digital Command System (DCS) and can also manage TMCC® and Legacy® engines. It's designed for ease of use, allowing you to run multiple trains and control accessories.

Highlights
  • Comprehensive model railroad control
  • Run MTH ProtoSound 2.0/3.0 locomotives
  • Control Atlas O® ProtoSound 3.0
  • Cross-platform control (TMCC®, Legacy®)
  • Run multiple trains simultaneously
  • Control switches and accessories
  • Immersive sound and control features
Features
Read full description

Control you entire model railroad from any iOS phone or tablet in this simple to use yet feature rich app! The M.T.H. Digital Command System (DCS) is the most comprehensive and innovative model train control system available. While, at the same time, the easiest to set up and use! You’ll be running your trains in just a few minutes after installing the Wi-Fi DCS app and connecting to any one of several M.T.H. DCS track interface units. The DCS system is capable of running conventional AC or DC powered model trains utilizing track power controls as well as the ultimate experience of full featured MTH ProtoSound 2.0 or 3.0 and Atlas O® ProtoSound 3.0 locomotives. In addition, DCS is the only cross-platform model railroad control system. When cabled to a Lionel® command base DCS also runs TMCC® and Legacy® engines all within the same app, on the same track, at the same time!! No other system has this capability. The DCS app is compatible with our entry level system, the DCS Explorer for those just starting their journey into model railroading. For more advanced users, the DCS Wi-Fi Interface Unit (WIU) in combination with the Track Interface Unit (TIU) or, the all new Wi-Fi Track Interface Unit (WTIU) opens up the vast array of features available within the world of DCS. Run multiple trains simultaneously on the same track, control switches and accessories, and immerse yourself in the depth of sound and control features that is Wi-Fi DCS. Simply the best way to run YOUR railroad!!

Screenshots

SteamTrains4 screens
Wi4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SteamTrains at none against Wi's 3. SteamTrains also leads on ratings volume (76 vs 24) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 17.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Wi sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. SteamTrains asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Wi holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 76 and 24 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 37% and 36% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 14, 2026 and September 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
SteamTrains versus Wi: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSteamTrainsWi
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.5 (76 ratings)3.7 (24 ratings) — better
Positive reviews36.7% of reviews — better36.1% of reviews
Number of ratings76 — better24
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS8.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size287 MB26 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKathrin BrockMike's Train House, Inc.

Customer experience

SteamTrains

All ratings76 ratings
Positive56.6%
Neutral7.9%
Negative35.5%
Written reviews49 reviews
Positive36.7%
Neutral8.2%
Negative55.1%

Wi

All ratings16 ratings
Positive62.5%
Neutral12.5%
Negative25.0%
Written reviews36 reviews
Positive36.1%
Neutral13.9%
Negative50.0%

In-app purchases

None

SteamTrains

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Wi

One-time3
  • Standard$4.99
  • Premium Upgrade$19.99
  • Premium$24.99

Questions

Is SteamTrains free?
SteamTrains is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Wi free?
Wi is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, SteamTrains or Wi?
Wi is rated higher. SteamTrains averages 3.5 out of 5 from 76 ratings, while Wi averages 3.7 from 24 ratings.
Do SteamTrains or Wi have ads?
Neither SteamTrains nor Wi shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SteamTrains or Wi?
SteamTrains ships an update every 3 months, and Wi every 3 months. Most recently, SteamTrains was updated on September 14, 2026 and Wi on September 7, 2026.

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